Preliminary observations of the urbanization and domiciliation of the American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Rio Branco, Acre, Western Amazon

ABSTRACT Background: The American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is expanding in peri-urban environments. Methods: An entomological survey was conducted in the area of the occurrence of an autochthonous urban case of ACL. Sandflies and a parasitological slide of the human case were submitted for molecular diagnosis. Results: Nyssomyia whitmani and Ny. antunesi were the most frequently collected species. Ny. whitmani and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata were positive for Leishmania guyanensis and L. lainsoni, respectively. The human case tested positive for L. lainsoni. Conclusions: Sandflies and Leishmania parasites present in urban forest may occur frequently in nearby domiciliary environments; thus, these areas must be monitored.

The transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Guarujá, on the Coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To perform an entomological survey, evaluating the circulation of Leishmania spp. in sand flies captured from the new foci of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the coastal region of São Paulo state. METHODS Sand flies were captured from November 2016 to September 2018 using light traps of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the neighborhood where VL cases were reported. Leishmania spp. circulation was evaluated by gut dissection and molecular analysis of the females captured. RESULTS Nyssomyia intermedia was the more frequent species (90,7%) within the 1,203 sand flies captured. We found no flagellates in dissected females, but two pools containing females of Ny. intermedia presented DNA of L. infantum. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that Ny. intermedia might be involved in the establishment of this new VL focus in Sao Paulo. However, before incriminating this species as a L. infantum vector, further studies should investigate other vectorial capacity parameters, including competence, survival, and feeding habits.

Natural infection of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Cembrene-1 population) with Leishmania infantum in a new visceral leishmaniasis focus in the eastern region of São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) transmission has been associated with two different populations of the Lutzomyia longipalpis complex in São Paulo state. METHODS In a recent focus of VL, we captured and dissected sand flies and investigated Leishmania infantum infection by parasitological, PCR, and sequencing analysis. RESULTS Flagellates were observed in 2 of 47 (4.2%) cembrene-1 Lu. longipalpis females. The sequences obtained matched those of Le. infantum. CONCLUSIONS We found that the transmission of Le. infantum by cembrene-1 females may occur at a high rate in this focus of VL and presented new data on the vector capacity of this population.

Canine visceral leishmaniosis in an area of fishing tourism, Bonito Municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-West Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral canina em área de turismo pesqueiro, município de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Centro-Oeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to investigate Leishmania infection in a population of dogs (92 animals) in a fishing area of Bonito Municipality, and evaluate comparatively the serological methods used, immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and rapid Dual Path-Platform test (DPP®). Blood and aspirate of bone marrow samples were used and parasitological investigation was also performed, such as parasite isolation in Neal, Novy, Nicolle (NNN) medium culture, Woo technique, Giemsa stained smears and specific identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IFAT revealed 56/92 seropositive, the ELISA 8/92 and the DPP®41/92. Regarding the agreement between the serological tests by the Kappa index, there was a slight agreement between ELISA/IFAT and ELISA/DPP®, and fair agreement in IFAT/DPP®. The NNN culture was positive in three out of 21 dogs, and identified by PCR as Leishmania infantum chagasi. No samples were positive by the Woo technique. Our results showed low agreements between the serological tests recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Heath, and it is necessary to associate other diagnostic techniques, such as parasitological tests and PCR, to increase the sensitivity for canine visceral leishmaniosis diagnosis, mainly regarding asymptomatic dogs in endemic areas.

RESUMO: O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a infecção por Leishmania em uma população de cães (n=92 animais) de uma área de turismo de pesca no município de Bonito e avaliar comparativamente os métodos sorológicos utilizados, ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) e teste rápido de plataforma dupla (DPP®). Testes parasitológicos também foram realizados, como o isolamento do parasita em meio de cultura Neal, Novy, Nicolle, técnica de Woo, esfregaços em lâminas coradas com Giemsa e identificação específica pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). A RIFI revelou sorologia positiva de 56/92, ELISA 8/92 e DPP®41/92. Quanto à concordância entre os testes sorológicos pelo índice Kappa, houve um ligeiro acordo entre ELISA/RIFI e ELISA/DPP®, e uma concordância razoável entre RIFI/DPP®. A cultura NNN foi positiva em três cães, e identificada por PCR como Leishmania infantum chagasi. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva pela técnica de Woo. Nossos resultados mostraram baixas concordâncias entre os testes sorológicos recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúde, sendo necessário associar a outras técnicas de diagnóstico, como testes parasitológicos e PCR, para aumentar a sensibilidade ao diagnóstico de leishmaniose visceral canina, principalmente, com relação aos cães assintomáticos em áreas endêmicas.

Epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in an endemic area of forest extractivist culture in western Brazilian Amazonia

ABSTRACT The study sought to analyze clinical and epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Xapuri, Acre, Brazil. Data from 2008 to 2014 registered in the notification records of the disease of the Information System of the Complaints of Notification (SINAN), and the data of the Information Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) available from 2007 to 2013 were used and analyzed in the light of the statistics of the temporal series by the Prais-Winsten method and chi-squared test. A total of 906 cases were registered with 60.2% occurring in men and 39.7% in women. The groups from 0 to 4 years of age (48.0%) and from 5 to 19 years of age (23.3%) were the most affected. Regarding the clinical forms, 77.7% presented CL and 22.3% mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Among the 896 cases with information on the diagnostic methods used, Montenegro’s skin test predominated (66.4%), with a positive result of 95.8% for CL and 99.3% for MCL. Treatment with N-methylglucamine antimony was performed in 99.4% of the cases, but discontinuously used in the majority of patients. This study presents information which may be used as a tool for the epidemiological surveillance and control of the disease in Xapuri, a region which depends essentially on forest resources and ecological tourism.

Leishmania amazonensis DNA in wild females ofLutzomyia cruzi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Studies on natural infection by Leishmania spp of sandflies collected in endemic and nonendemic areas can provide important information on the distribution and intensity of the transmission of these parasites. This study sought to investigate the natural infection by Leishmaniain wild female sandflies. The specimens were caught in the city of Corumbá, state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) between October 2012-March 2014, and dissected to investigate flagellates and/or submitted to molecular analysis to detect Leishmania DNA. A total of 1,164 females (77.56% of which were Lutzomyia cruzi) representing 11 species were investigated using molecular analysis; 126 specimens of Lu. cruziwere dissected and also submitted to molecular analysis. The infection rate based on the presence of Leishmania DNA considering all the sandfly species analysed was 0.69%; only Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis was identified in Lu. cruzi by the molecular analysis. The dissections were negative for flagellates. This is the first record of the presence of L. (L.) amazonensis DNA in Lu. cruzi, and the first record of this parasite in this area. These findings point to the need for further investigation into the possible role of this sandfly as vector of this parasite.

Phlebotomine fanna (diptera: psychodidae) in anarea of fishing tourism in centtral-western Brazil / Fauna flebotomínea (Diptera: Psychodidae) em área de turismo pesqueiro no Centro-Oeste do Brasil

The aim of this study was to identify behavioral aspects of the sandfly fauna of a fishing tourism area in the municipality of Bonito (MS). Monthly captures were undertaken from December 2009 to November 2010, using automatic CDC type light traps, from 18h00 to 06h00, in a forested area, a savannah area, peridomiciles and animal shelters near peridomiciliary areas. Nyssomyia whitmani was the most frequent out of a total of 6,699 specimens collected, belonging to 16 species, followed by Psathyromyia bigeniculata and Lutzomyia longipalpis, found in all the environments investigated, though in their greatest numbers in the animal shelters. Ny. whitmani exhibited its highest frequencies during the dry months, coincident with the fishing season, when the risk of transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis for tourists and inhabitants increases. Noteworthy was the finding of two species naturally infected by flagellates: Ny. whitmani and Pa. bigeniculata. The local population and visiting tourists should be warned of the threat posed by leishmaniasis and the health authorities alerted to the need for adopting environmental sanitary measures, especially regarding such animal shelters as they seem to provide favorable conditions to the proliferation, maintenance and breeding opportunities of phlebotomines.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar aspectos do comportamento da fauna flebotomínea de área de turismo pesqueiro localizada no município de Bonito (MS). Foram realizadas capturas mensais no período de dezembro de 2009 a novembro de 2010, utilizando armadilhas luminosas automáticas do tipo CDC das 18:00h às 6:00h, em matas, área de cerrado, peridomicílios e abrigos de animais próximos a áreas peridomiciliares. De um total de 6.699 espécimes coletados, pertencentes a 16 espécies, Nyssomyia whitmani foi a mais frequente, seguida de Psathyromyia bigeniculata e Lutzomyia longipalpis, encontradas em todos os tipos de ambientes, porém com maior expressão em abrigos de animais. Ny. whitmani apresentou frequências mais elevadas nos meses mais secos, coincidentes com a estação da pesca, o que eleva o risco de transmissão da leishmaniose tegumentar a turistas e moradores da área. Importante ressaltar o encontro de duas espécies naturalmente infectadas por flagelados: Ny. whitmani e Pa. bigeniculata. A população local e turistas devem ser advertidos da ameaça que representam as leishmanioses e as autoridades de saúde alertadas para adoção de medidas de saneamento ambiental, principalmente com relação aos abrigos de animais, que parecem fornecer condições favoráveis para a proliferação, manutenção e reprodução de flebotomíneos.

Natural infection of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in an area of ecotourism in Central-Western Brazil

Background Bonito municipality, known as an area of ecoturism, in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, is also a focus of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases, with cases registered in both human and canine populations. This study sought to investigate natural infection by flagellate forms of Leishmania in phlebotomines of the urban area of Bonito.Findings Sand flies were collected fortnightly from October 2005 to July 2006 with modified automatic light traps installed in peridomiciles and animal shelters in the center and on the outskirts of the city. The females were dissected and their guts observed under an optical microscope. A total of 1977 specimens were captured, Lutzomyia longipalpis (88.4 %) and Bichromomyia flaviscutelata (3.0 %) being the most frequent species. Bi. flaviscutellata was found infected by flagellates that were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis by indirect immunofluorescence reaction, employing monoclonal antibodies and the biotin-avidin system. This is the first report of natural infection by L. amazonensis in Bi. flaviscutellata in a Brazilian urban area.Conclusions As Bi. flaviscutellata is only slightly attracted by humans, the transmission of L. amazonensis in the study area may have a zoonotic character; however, the sympatric occurrence of this parasite andLu. longipalpis should be taken into consideration by the local health authorities since this sand fly has already been found with L. amazonensis DNA in a focus of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Bonito municipality.

A new species of phlebotomine, Trichophoromyia adelsonsouzai (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Brazilian Amazonia

The phlebotomine sandfly Trichophoromyia adelsonsouzai sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on the male and female morphological characteristics of specimens collected at Km 27 of the Trans-Amazonian Highway, municipality of Vitória do Xingu, state of Pará, Brazilian Amazonia. This is an area subject to the direct influence of Belo Monte hydroelectric system. With the description of this new species the number of Trichophoromyia sandflies recorded in Brazil is increased to 20.

Blood feeding patterns of Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera, Psychodidae) in a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area of the Ribeira Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify the blood feeding sources of Nyssomyia intermedia (Ny. intermedia) and Nyssomyia neivai (Ny. neivai), which are Leishmania vectors and the predominant sandfly species in the Ribeira Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil, an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods Specimens were captured monthly between February 2001 and December 2003 on a smallholding and a small farm situated in the Serra district in the Iporanga municipality. The blood meals of 988 engorged females were tested using the avidin-biotin immunoenzymatic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seven blood meal sources were investigated: human, dog, chicken, bovine, pig, horse and rat. Results The results showed that among the females that fed on one or more blood sources, the respective percentages for Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai, respectively, were as follows: human (23% and 36.8%), pig (47.4% and 26.4%), chicken (25.7% and 36.8%) and dog (3.9% and 0%), and the differences in the blood sources between the two species were statistically significant (p = 0.043). Conclusions Both species had predominant reactivity for one or two blood sources, and few showed reactivity indicating three or four sources. Many different combinations were observed among the females that showed reactivity for more than one source, which indicated their opportunistic habits and eclecticism regarding anthropic environmental conditions. .

The sandfly fauna, anthropophily and the seasonal activities of Pintomyia spinicrassa (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in a focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northeastern Colombia

This study was conducted to identify the sandfly fauna and the anthropophilic species in a coffee-growing area of Villanueva, Norte de Santander, Colombia, a focus of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, and to analyse the relationship between the most frequent species and rainfall, relative humidity and temperature, with the aim of contributing to epidemiological surveillance in the area. Sandfly collections were performed fortnightly between February 2006-September 2007 using automatic light traps, Shannon traps, protected human bait and aspiration in resting places. A total of 7,051 sandflies belonging to 12 species were captured. Pintomyia spinicrassa (95.7%) predominated. Pintomyia oresbia and Lutzomyia sp. of Pichinde were found in the state of Norte de Santander for the first time. Pi. spinicrassa, Pintomyia nuneztovari, Micropygomyia venezuelensis, Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) scorzai and Lu. (Helcocyrtomyia) sp. were captured on the protected human bait. A significant association between Pi. spinicrassa abundance and the total rainfall and the average temperature and humidity 10 days before the collection was observed. The dominance of Pi. spinicrassa, a recognised vector of Leishmania braziliensis, especially during the dry periods, indicates that the risk of parasite transmission may increase.

Sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from forest areas in Botucatu municipality, central western Sao Paulo State, Brazil

The study of the distribution and ecology of sandfly species is essential for epidemiological surveillance and estimation of the transmission risk of Leishmania spp. infection. Findings In the present study, sandflies were captured in native fragmented forest areas in Rubião Júnior district, Botucatu municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil, between September 2001 and January 2005. A minimum of two automatic light traps were installed per night from 6 pm to 8 am, in different months, resulting in approximately 900 collecting hours. During this period, 216 sandfly specimens of sixteen species were captured. Pintomyia monticola and Brumptomyia guimaraesi were the most abundant with 56 specimens (25.93%) captured per species, followed by Pintomyia fischeri 28 (12.96%) and Psathyromyia pascalei 18 (8.33%). Other captured species were Lutzomyia amarali, Sciopemyia sordellii, Psathyromyia aragaoi, Nyssomyia whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia bianchigalatiae, Pintomyia misionensis, Brumptomyia carvalheiroi, Brumptomyia cardosoi, Brumptomyia cunhai, Brumptomyia nitzulescui, Brumptomyia brumpti and Brumptomyia spp represented by 58 (26.85%) specimens. Conclusions Although less frequently found, the presence of Pintomyia fischeri, Nyssomyia whitmani and Migonemyia migonei, known vectors of Leishmania braziliensis, indicates risk of American cutaneous leishmaniasis occurrence. Moreover, the absence of Lutzomyia longipalpis -the main vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi, which is the agent of American visceral leishmaniasis-suggests that there.

Sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from forest areas in Botucatu municipality, central western São Paulo State, Brazil

Background The study of the distribution and ecology of sandfly species is essential for epidemiological surveillance and estimation of the transmission risk of Leishmania spp. infection. Findings In the present study, sandflies were captured in native fragmented forest areas in Rubião Júnior district, Botucatu municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil, between September 2001 and January 2005. A minimum of two automatic light traps were installed per night from 6 pm to 8 am, in different months, resulting in approximately 900 collecting hours. During this period, 216 sandfly specimens of sixteen species were captured. Pintomyia monticola and Brumptomyia guimaraesi were the most abundant with 56 specimens (25.93%) captured per species, followed by Pintomyia fischeri 28 (12.96%) and Psathyromyia pascalei 18 (8.33%). Other captured species were Lutzomyia amarali, Sciopemyia sordellii, Psathyromyia aragaoi , Nyssomyia whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia bianchigalatiae, Pintomyia misionensis, Brumptomyia carvalheiroi , Brumptomyia cardosoi, Brumptomyia cunhai, Brumptomyia nitzulescui, Brumptomyia brumpti and Brumptomyia spp . represented by 58 (26.85%) specimens. Conclusions Although less frequently found, the presence of Pintomyia fischeri, Nyssomyia whitmani and Migonemyia migonei , known vectors of Leishmania braziliensis, indicates risk of American cutaneous leishmaniasis occurrence. Moreover, the absence of Lutzomyia longipalpis -the main vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi, which is the agent of American visceral leishmaniasis-suggests that there is no risk of introduction and establishment of this disease in the studied area.

Sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from forest areas in Botucatu municipality, central western São Paulo State, Brazil

Background: The study of the distribution and ecology of sandfly species is essential for epidemiological surveillance and estimation of the transmission risk of Leishmania spp. infection. Findings: In the present study, sandflies were captured in native fragmented forest areas in Rubião Júnior district, Botucatu municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil, between September 2001 and January 2005. A minimum of two automatic light traps were installed per night from 6 pm to 8 am, in different months, resulting in approximately 900 collecting hours. During this period, 216 sandfly specimens of sixteen species were captured. Pintomyia monticola and Brumptomyia guimaraesi were the most abundant with 56 specimens (25.93%) captured per species, followed by Pintomyia fischeri 28 (12.96%) and Psathyromyia pascalei 18 (8.33%). Other captured species were Lutzomyia amarali, Sciopemyia sordellii, Psathyromyia aragaoi, Nyssomyia whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia bianchigalatiae, Pintomyia misionensis, Brumptomyia carvalheiroi, Brumptomyia cardosoi, Brumptomyia cunhai, Brumptomyia nitzulescui, Brumptomyia brumpti and Brumptomyia spp. represented by 58 (26.85%) specimens. Conclusions: Although less frequently found, the presence of Pintomyia fischeri, Nyssomyia whitmani and Migonemyia migonei, known vectors of Leishmania braziliensis, indicates risk of American cutaneous leishmaniasis occurrence. Moreover,the absence of Lutzomyia longipalpis-the main vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi, which is the agent of American visceral leishmaniasis-suggests that there is no risk of introduction and establishment of this disease in the studied area.

Ecological aspects of the sandfly fauna (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil / Aspectos ecológicos da fauna flebotomínea (Diptera, Psychodidae) em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, sob influência de complexo hidrelétrico no rio Paranapanema, Estado do Paraná, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: An epidemiological study was undertaken to identify determinant factors in the occurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in areas under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil. The ecological aspects of the phlebotomine fauna were investigated. METHODS: Sandflies were sampled with automatic light traps from February 2004 to June 2006 at 25 sites in the urban and rural areas of Itambaracá, and in Porto Almeida and São Joaquim do Pontal. RESULTS: A total of 3,187 sandflies of 15 species were captured. Nyssomyia neivai predominated (34.4%), followed by Pintomyia pessoai (32.6%), Migonemyia migonei (11.6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8.8%), and Pintomyia fischeri (2.7%), all implicated in the transmission of Leishmania. Males predominated for Ny. neivai, and females for the other vector species, with significant statistical differences (p < 0.001). Nyssomyia neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei, and Pi. fischeri presented the highest values for the Standardized Species Abundance Index (SSAI). The highest frequencies and diversities were found in the preserved forest in Porto Almeida, followed by forests with degradation in São Joaquim do Pontal and Vila Rural. CONCLUSIONS: Sandflies were captured in all localities, with the five vectors predominating. Ny. neivai had its highest frequencies in nearby peridomestic environments and Pi. pessoai in areas of preserved forests. The highest SSAI values of Ny. neivai and Pi. pessoai reflect their wider dispersion and higher frequencies compared with other species, which seems to indicate that these two species may be transmitting leishmaniasis in the area.

INTRODUÇÃO: Em estudo epidemiológico desenvolvido para identificar fatores determinantes na ocorrência da leishmaniose tegumentar americana em áreas impactadas por complexo hidrelétrico no rio Paranapanema, Estado do Paraná, Brasil, foram investigados aspectos ecológicos da fauna flebotomínea. MÉTODOS: Os flebotomíneos foram amostrados com armadilhas automáticas luminosas de fevereiro/2004 a junho/2006, em 25 pontos, distribuídos na área urbana, periurbana e rural da Cidade de Itambaracá e Vila Rural, além das localidades de Porto Almeida e São Joaquim do Pontal. RESULTADOS: No total capturou-se 3.187 flebotomíneos de 15 espécies. Predominaram Nyssomyia neivai (34,4%), Pintomyia pessoai (32,6%), Migonemya migonei (11,6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8,8%) e Pintomyia fischeri (2,7%), todas com capacidade de transmissão de Leishmania. Para Ny. neivai, predominaram os machos e para as outras vetoras, fêmeas, com diferença estatística significante (p < 0,001). Segundo o índice de abundância das espécies padronizado, as mais abundantes foram: Ny neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei e Pi. fischeri. As maiores frequências e diversidade das espécies foram encontradas em Porto Almeida em áreas com matas mais preservadas, seguida por São Joaquim do Pontal e Vila Rural, com matas mais degradadas. CONCLUSÕES: Os flebotomíneos foram capturados em todas as localidades amostradas, com predominância de cinco espécies vetoras, destacando-se Ny. neivai, com suas frequências mais elevadas nas proximidades de peridomicílios e Pi. pessoai nas áreas de matas mais preservadas. Os altos índices de abundância das espécies padronizados para Ny. neivai e Pi. pessoai indicam que estas duas espécies podem transmitir a leishmaniose tegumentar na área investigada.

Phlebotomines in the area adjacent to the Porto Primavera dam, between São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul States, Brazil

A research project with the purpose of investigating the Culicidae mosquito fauna and Anopheles ecology was undertaken before, during and after the construction of Porto Primavera dam on the Paraná River, between São Paulo (SP) and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) States, between 1997 and 2003.The objective of this article is to report on the species of sand flies that were also captured during the collections undertaken with Shannon traps and human bait. A total of 526 (430, 96) specimens, 73 (2, 71) with human bait and 453 (94, 359) with Shannon traps were captured, belonging to seven species: Bichromomyia flavisculellata (6), Brumptomyia sp. (1), Evandromyia sp. (2),Lutzomyia almerioi (1, 2), Nyssomyia neivai (92, 412), Psathyromyia punctigeniculata (2)and Psathyromyia shannoni (3, 5). Ny. neivai, a probable vector of Leishmania braziliensis, predominated (95.8percent). Bi. flaviscutellata, the main vector of Leishmania amazonensis, is reported here for the first time in the west of SP and Lu. almerioi, an anthropophilic species, was captured forthe first time in SP. Thus more studies are necessary in this region since these three species of sand flies may represent a risk for the transmission of Leishmania spp. to people frequenting the forested banks of this reservoir.

Lista de espécies de Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com comentários sobre sua distribuição geográfica / Checklist of Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) from São Paulo State, Brazil, with notes on their geographical distribution

Os flebotomíneos são insetos de interesse médico, responsáveis pela transmissão de protozoários parasitas do gênero Leishmania entre animais reservatórios humanos e não-humanos, os quais são encontrados em todo o Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. As 69 espécies de flebotomíneos registradas no Estado de São Paulo, incluindo 7 espécies registradas aqui pela primeira vez, estão organizadas em uma lista de espécies utilizando a classificação filogenética de Galati (2003). Nossa lista de espécies incorpora e atualiza os dados publicados por Barretto (1947) e Martins et al. (1978), e inclui registros para mais 33 espécies retirados da literatura publicada desde então, e também da observação de espécimes depositados em coleções entomológicas. Para cada espécie de flebotomíneo, a distribuição geográfica por município é fornecida, com comentários sobre a distribuição de seis vetores de leishmaniose cutânea, bem como de Lutzomyia longipalpis, o principal vetor de leishmaniose visceral.

Phlebotomine sand flies are medically important insects, responsible for the transmission of Leishmania parasites between humans and non-human animal reservoirs, which are found throughout São Paulo State, Brazil. The 69 recorded species of phlebotomine sand flies from São Paulo State, including 7 species reported here for the first time to occur in this region, are organized in a checklist using the phylogenetic classification of Galati (2003). Our checklist incorporates and updates those previously published by Barretto (1947) and Martins et al. (1978), and includes records for 33 additional phlebotomine species taken from the literature published since and our examination of specimens held in entomological museum collections. For each sand fly species, the geographical distribution by municipality is also given, together with comments on the distribution of the six vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis, as well as Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis.

Sand fly captures with Disney traps in area of occurrence of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, mid-western Brazil / Capturas de flebotomíneos com armadilhas de Disney em área de ocorrência de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, região Centro-Oeste do Brasil

INTRODUCTION: The work was conducted to study phlebotomine fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) and aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in a forested area where Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis occurs, situated in the municipality of Bela Vista, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: The captures were conducted with modified Disney traps, using hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) as bait, from May 2004 to January 2006. RESULTS: Ten species of phlebotomine sandflies were captured: Brumptomyia avellari, Brumptomyia brumpti, Bichromomyia flaviscutellata, Evandromyia bourrouli, Evandromyia lenti, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Psathyromyia campograndensis, Psathyromyia punctigeniculata, Psathyromyia shannoni and Sciopemyia sordellii. The two predominant species were Ev bourrouli (57.3 percent) and Bi flaviscutellata (41.4 percent), present at all sampling sites. Two of the 36 hamsters used as bait presented natural infection with Leishmania. The parasite was identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the results revealed the efficiency of Disney traps for capturing Bichromomyia flaviscutellata and the simultaneous presence of both vector and the Leishmania species transmitted by the same can be considered a predictive factor of the occurrence of leishmaniasis outbreaks for the human population that occupies the location.

INTRODUÇÃO: O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de estudar a fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae) e aspectos ligados à transmissão da leishmaniose tegumentar americana em uma área florestal com ocorrência de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, situada no município de Bela Vista, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. MÉTODOS: As capturas de flebotomíneos foram realizadas utilizando-se armadilhas tipo Disney modificadas, com isca roedor, Mesocricetus auratus, no período de maio de 2004 a janeiro de 2006. RESULTADOS: As coletas resultaram na identificação de 10 espécies de Phlebotominae: Brumptomyia avellari, Brumptomyia brumpti, Bichromomyia flaviscutellata, Evandromyia bourrouli, Evandromyia lenti, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Psathyromyia campograndensis, Psathyromyia punctigeniculata, Psathyromyia shannoni e Sciopemyia sordellii. As duas espécies predominantes foram Ev bourrouli, com 57,3 por cento dos espécimes coletados, e Bi. flaviscutellata, representada por 41,4 por cento e que esteve presente em todos os locais amostrados. Dois hamsters sentinelas adquiriram a infecção natural, sendo os isolados identificados como Leishmania amazonensis. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram a eficiência das armadilhas Disney para captura de Bichromomyia flaviscutellata, e a presença simultânea de ambos, o vetor e a espécie de Leishmania por ele transmitida pode ser considerada um fator preditor da ocorrência de leishmaniose para a população humana que permanecer nesse local.

Phlebotomines (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the Ribeira Valley Speleological Province - 1. Parque Estadual Intervales, state of São Paulo, Brazil / Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) na Província Espeleológica do Vale do Ribeira - 1. Parque Estadual Intervales (PEI), estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The identification of the sandfly fauna and investigation of some ecological aspects of its populations in areas frequented by tourists of the PEI, an Atlantic forest reserve with many caves, were the objective of this study. Captures were undertaken monthly from January 2001 to December 2002, with automatic light traps installed in 13 ecotopes, including caves, forests, domiciliary and peridomiciliary environments, and by aspiration in armadillo burrows. Additionally, although not at regular intervals, Shannon traps were installed in forests and anthropic environments, aspirations were made on cave walls, among roots and fallen leaves, and some insects were captured while biting researchers. A total of 891 sandflies belonging to 21 species were captured. Six hundred specimens representing 19 species were captured with light traps, 215 in anthropic (2.24 insects/trap) and 385 in extra-domiciliary (1.46 insects/trap) environments. Brumptomyia troglodytes was the most abundant species (the Standardised Index of Species Abundance = 0.705). Pintomyia monticola predominated in the Shannon traps and showed anthropophilic and diurnal activity. Psathyromyia pascalei predominated in the aspirations; the largest number being in armadillo burrows. Eleven species were captured in caves; although some might be troglophiles, the majority used these ecotopes as resting places. Nyssomyia intermedia, Nyssomyia neivai and Migonemyia migonei, implicated in the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Southeastern Brazilian region, were all found, though in such low densities as to suggest minimal risk of the disease in the PEI.

A identificação da fauna flebotomínea e de alguns aspectos ecológicos de suas populações em áreas freqüentadas por turistas no PEI, situado em reserva de mata Atlântica, constituem-se nos objetivos deste estudo. As capturas foram mensais de janeiro/2001 a dezembro/2002, com armadilhas automáticas luminosas em 13 ecótopos, incluindo cavernas, matas e peridomicílio e aspiração em tocas de tatus. Sem intervalos regulares, foram realizadas capturas com armadilhas de Shannon na mata e ambientes antrópicos, aspiração em paredes de cavernas e entre raízes e folhedo e em membros da equipe quando picados por flebotomíneos. No total foram capturados 891 flebotomíneos pertencentes a 21 espécies. Com as armadilhas automáticas luminosas capturou-se 19 espécies e 600 espécimes, 215 em ambiente antrópico (2,24 insetos/armadilha) e 385 em ambiente natural (1,46 insetos/armadilha). Brumptomyia troglodytes foi a mais abundante, com o índice de abundância das espécies padronizado = 0,705. Pintomyia monticola predominou nas armadilhas de Shannon, mostrando-se antropofílica e com atividade hematofágica diurna e noturna. Psathyromyia pascalei predominou nas aspirações, com a maioria dos espécimes aspirados de tocas de tatu. Das 11 espécies capturadas em cavernas, embora algumas possam ser consideradas troglófilas, a maioria usa este ecótopo como local de abrigo. Nyssomyia intermedia, Nyssomyia neivai e Migonemyia migonei, implicados na transmissão da leishmaniose tegumentar na Região Sudeste do Brasil foram capturados, todavia em tão baixa densidade que sugere risco mínimo da doença no PEI.

Fatores relacionados à ocorrência de leishmaniose tegumentar no Vale do Ribeira / Factors relating to occurrences of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Ribeira Valley

INTRODUÇÃO: este estudo teve como objetivo identificar fatores ambientais e sociais determinantes na incidência da leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Vale do Ribeira no período de 1998 a 2006. MÉTODOS: foram utilizados dados secundários de domínio público dos 23 municípios que integram a região. O intervalo de tempo foi dividido em três períodos, pelas características gráficas dos coeficientes de incidência, os quais foram submetidos à análise por regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: para o período de 1998 a 2000, as variáveis correlacionadas com a LTA foram índice de desenvolvimento humano médio (p = 0,007), renda per capita (p =0,390) e grau de urbanização (p = 0,079). No período de 2001 a 2003 e 2004 a 2006 as variáveis correlacionadas com LTA foram: a existência de flebotomíneos (p = 0,000 e p = 0,001) e a população urbana média (p = 0,007 e p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: esses dados demonstram a tendência de pauperização e urbanização da doença.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify the environmental and social factors that determined occurrences of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Ribeira valley region of the State of São Paulo between 1998 and 2006. METHODS: Secondary public-domain data from the 23 municipalities forming this region were used. The study period was divided into three ranges based on the graphical characteristics of the incidence coefficients. These data were subjected to analysis using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Over the period 1998 to 2000, the variables correlated with American cutaneous leishmaniasis were mean human development index (p = 0.007), per capita income (p = 0.390) and degree of urbanization (p = 0.079). Over the periods 2001 to 2003 and 2004 to 2006, the variables correlated with American cutaneous leishmaniasis were the presence of sandflies (p = 0.000; p = 0.001) and mean urban population (p = 0.007; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data show the trend towards urbanization and impoverishment of the disease.